The phrase ‘write what you know’ is a popular one in the world of literature, and it’s a mantra Simon Fairfax sticks to.

A former chartered surveyor, Simon is the author of The Deal Series, featuring Rupert Brett, and has published three novels with a fourth soon to follow.

“I returned from living in Italy in 2006 and started writing,” he said. “It was around 2009 when my wife really pushed me and told me to get it done.

“I have a friend who is a film producer and offered to read my first draft, and he said I needed to have a sequel ready so people can binge read it.

“After a lengthy critique from him I rewrote it and released my first book in June 2017."

That book was called ‘No Deal’s Done’ and was readers first introduction to Rupert Brett, a surveyor framed for a crime he didn’t commit.

Rupert is the hero in all of Simon’s books so far, and some readers are quick to compare him to another classic literary protagonist.

“Rupert ages in each book, unlike James Bond,” said Simon, who lives with wife Elinor in Somerford Keynes, near Cirencester.

“The novels all take place at different times (1985-89, 1990/91, 1994/95) and are based around significant events in history, like the Gulf War, the refusal of oil rights to the Falklands and the start of the Sub-Prime market.

“My next book is set in the year 1999/2000 in Russia when a certain Mr. Putin comes to power! The Brits really did open an office in Moscow at that time, amazing really.”

The research element of writing is something Simon, quite literally, throws himself into.

Visiting every location mentioned in his stories, taking expert advice on all gadgets and protocols, Simon has also spoken to SAS soldiers, visited the foreign office and worked with the police.

He continued: “In one book I wrote about drug smuggling – the police requested a copy as they were worried it was so detailed it would give criminals a template on how to do it.

“I fire every weapon featured in the book, do martial arts – I take my research to the nth degree to really get in the head of my characters.”

The latest instalment of The Rupert Brett Series is called ‘A Deal on Ice’ and was released at the end of June.

For more information on Simon and his novels you can visit www.simonfairfax.com